Hypovase (prazosin) 500 microgram tablets, manufactured by drug major Pfizer, will remain out of stock until mid-January 2022 due to a manufacturing issue.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England and Improvement (NHSE&I) have issued a supply disruption alert for the medicine that is used to treat heart-related troubles.
Pfizer, the sole supplier of prazosin 500mg tablets in the UK, is out of stock from late November 2021, and had discontinued the Hypovase® (prazosin) 1mg tablets in May 2021.
Advice for healthcare professionals
In the given situation, prescribers need to review all affected patients to discuss management plans.
Meanwhile, alternative medicine alpha blockers remain available to support an uplift in demand.
Britain has approved a new coronavirus vaccine by the Austrian-French drugmaker Valneva.
"An approval has been granted after the Valneva Covid-19 vaccine was found to meet the required safety, quality and effectiveness standards," the Medicines and
Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said in a statement on Thursday (April 14), adding: "It is also the first, whole-virus inactivated Covid-19 vaccine to gain
regulatory approval in the UK."
In vaccines such as Valneva's VLA2001, the virus is grown in a lab and then made completely inactive so that it cannot infect cells or replicate in the body but can still trigger an immune response. It is seen by some as having the potential to win over people wary of some which use new mRNA technology.
Valneva CEO Thomas Lingelbach said that "this authorisation could pave the way for the availability of an alternative vaccine solution for the UK population."
The regulatory amendments proposed will enable pharmacists to dispense medicines in their original packaging for private prescriptions starting this
Autumn, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.
In the recently published draft OPD regulations, the DHSC has indicated that the alterations, permitting pharmacists to vary the dispensed quantity by up to
10 per cent to avoid splitting medicine packs, will be implemented for private prescriptions 'immediately upon the enforcement of the Human Medicines Amendment
Regulations in the autumn,' as highlighted in a briefing by Community Pharmacy England.
CPE stated that the regulations related to NHS prescriptions will come into effect when the pharmaceutical terms of service regulations expressly apply the OPD
amendments.
Moreover, new directive mandating the dispensing of sodium valproate products solely in their original packaging (except when an assessment of risk necessitates
an alternative approach) will align with the rollout of the private prescription regulations during the autumn.
CPE further noted that these regulations are currently in draft, indicating that they are not currently in effect and may undergo revisions prior to their
implementation.
The government has launched a consultation into radically changing the Statutory Scheme for branded medicines (known as the Statutory Scheme).
The consultation comes as delicate negotiations for replacing the alternative Voluntary Scheme are underway, potentially undermining these talks, while also further
damaging industry confidence in the UK as a viable place to research, launch and supply medicine.
The government proposals seek to hold average revenue clawback rates under the Statutory Scheme at historic highs of between 21-27%, compared to the pre-pandemic
averages of 9.4% for the Statutory Scheme (2019-2021), and 6.88% for the Voluntary Scheme (2014-2021). The accompanying cost-benefit analysis ignores any negative
impact this may have on medicine supply and wrongly claims it will boost investment.
The consultation comes on the heels of government data last week showing UK life sciences foreign direct investment (FDI) fell by 47% between 2021 and 2022, down
by £900m year on year. This large fall in investment coincided with a rise in the main UK clawback rate under the Voluntary Scheme from 5% to 15%, and led to the
UK falling from 2nd to 9th out of 18 comparator countries for life sciences FDI in 2022. The Voluntary Scheme clawback rate now sits at a record 26.5% in 2023.
Doctors are highly driven professionals seeking exceptional care and service for their clients. Some doctors may have private practices, while others serve
in different capacities in various healthcare institutions. Doctors are among the busiest professionals in the field and may also experience burnout if they're not
careful.
Fortunately, there's an alternative to such a scenario, and more and more healthcare professionals are looking into it. Locum tenens jobs are on the rise as doctors,
and other health workers seek to take advantage of various benefits that can lead to a better career. While doctors hold down their private practice, they also work
with other institutions and colleagues to provide expertise to patients in other locations. This can be rewarding as the doctors can improve their craft tremendously.
Here are some reasons to consider if you wish to explore locum tenens posts.
Better control and schedule flexibility
While career stability is quite important for most doctors, it can be intense for some and lead to burnout. When taking a locum tenens position, a doctor will have
the opportunity to explore other horizons that present themselves. They can see other patients and be exposed to scenarios that may not be present in their practice.
Locum posts also allow you to set your schedule and be flexible with your working hours as necessary. It can lead to better performance and job satisfaction, too.
Opportunity for better income
Accepting a locum position may entail getting extra shifts at another hospital or clinic. It may also mean getting some time with patients during your off days. You
can receive a significant bump to your income as you get to earn more aside from your regular salary. If you're looking to pay off student loans, build a college
fund for your kids, or set up an account to buy a house, working with locum posts may be the key.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has extended the Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Fluoxetine 10mg tablets (SSP005) and Lipitor 10mg
chewable tablets (SSP032) to Wednesday, 7 December 2022.
SSP005 for Fluoxetine 10mg tablets was due to expire on 12 August 2022.
DHSC has also updated that SSP032 for Lipitor 10mg chewable tablets was due to expire on 12 August 2022 but the end date has been further extended to Friday 26
August 2022.
SSP005 provides that for every Fluoxetine 10mg tablet originally prescribed, one Fluoxetine 10mg capsule must be supplied:
"Expiry dates of an SSP may be brought forward or extended, and the content may be amended at any time during the life of an SSP. Pharmacists should ensure they
are using the latest version of an SSP before considering the supply of an alternative product," said DHSC.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued two new Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Estraderm MX 25mcg and 100mcg patches.
Effective from 8 September 2022, SSP035 and SSP036 provide that for every Estraderm MX 25mcg or 100mcg patch originally prescribed, one Evorel 25mcg patch or
100mcg patch must be supplied, respectively. Both SSPs are currently set to expire on 16 September 2022.
Both SSPs, authorised by the secretary of state for health, have been developed by clinicians and provides pharmacists with procedures to follow in providing
either of these suitable alternative products to help reduce the number of patients having to return to their prescriber for a replacement prescription.
DHSC informed that there are no SSPs in place for Estraderm MX 50mcg patches and 75mcg patches - these strengths are not affected by supply disruptions and should
continue to be dispensed in accordance with the prescriptions
"The SSP035 and SSP036 only allow substitution of Estraderm MX 25 or 100 patches with Evorel 25 or 100 patches, respectively."
Pharmanovia, the lifecycle management company has signed a licence and supply agreement with Aquestive Therapeutics for its patented diazepam buccal film
formulation across the EU, UK, Switzerland, and Norway, as well as countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)- up to 48 markets in total.
Aquestive Therapeutics has been granted tentative approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for its diazepam buccal film for the acute treatment of
intermittent, stereotypic episodes of frequent seizure activity (i.e., seizure clusters, acute repetitive seizures) that are distinct from a patient's usual
seizure pattern in patients with epilepsy 12 years of age and older.
Pharmanovia will be responsible for seeking appropriate regulatory approval across EU and MENA.
Pharmanovia CEO, James Burt commented: "Pharmanovia and Aquestive are aligned in our mission to find new and innovative ways to enhance and revitalise iconic
medicines. We have extensive experience with diazepam through the Valium brand and, together with Aquestive's unique PharmFilm technology, we're intending to bring
a novel alternative diazepam delivery option to caregivers and patients at a time of critical need."
The pharmacy business is one of the most profitable businesses on the planet. However, the trends are changing and as we move forward in this digital world,
we see a transition from traditional business practices to modern and digital business practices that change the whole scenario.
In this era of advanced technology, if you don't keep up with the world, you lose the race. It is a fast-paced world where trends change every day, something might
work today but it won't work tomorrow, it will be replaced with something better and more efficient whether it is a tool, a technique, a marketing strategy, or a
manufacturing process.
Everything is being replaced with better alternatives more than ever. Now it is time to realize this change and bring some new guns to your business arsenal. You can
employ an auto attendant for your pharmacies, or build a website for online orders and deliveries. Online pharmacies are getting popular a lot and they are the
future.
Here are a few tips and tricks that you can use to run your pharmacy business like a pro.
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, health secretary Steve Barclay stated that he has asked his officials within DHSC to look at a "pharmacy first"
approach to alleviate pressures on A&E departments in order to avoid the widely predicted NHS winter crisis.
On the face of it, this a welcome if long overdue recognition that community pharmacy is an essential part of our national healthcare infrastructure alongside our
GP and A&E colleagues. But let's not get carried away - we have had lots of praise from politicians in the past which have not then been backed by firm commitments
for a sustainable future for the network.
Could this be a turning point? I hope so, but I am not confident it will be. I fear this may turn out to be another emergency stop-gap measure which does nothing to
secure the long-term viability of the sector in England.
The role of community pharmacy during the recent Covid pandemic demonstrated clearly how important we are to ensure people have easy access to essential healthcare
support, advice and services. The NHS winter crisis can only be avoided or at least mitigated if the potential of the community pharmacy network to provide more
patient care services is unlocked and that Barclay requires you to end pharmacy funding austerity and start investing.
The Treasury will no doubt say there is no more money, but what then the alternative other than a NHS winter crisis? And, of course, treating people in secondary care
settings is far more costly than community pharmacy based interventions.
The Keto diet is one of the most popular diets in the world at the moment and for good reason. This low carb high in good fats diet helps the body burn stored
fat through a process called "ketosis", hence the name. The key to success is sticking with the diet because when you slip up, your body slips out of the ketosis
state you've put it in. When it comes to sweet goodies this can be a little bit difficult. However, it doesn't have to be! Here are 6 smoothie combinations for you
to try playing around with that will feel like you're cheating on your diet but are perfectly keto-friendly.
1. COCONUT CHOCOLATE DELIGHT
Coconut is one of the best ingredients for a keto smoothie. It has those good fats your body needs in order for it to stay in ketosis. It tastes pretty good, but
what tastes better than coconut? That's right - chocolate. Chocolate and coconut are a smoothie match made in heaven and can be used to make a Keto smoothie bowl
recipe that acts as an alternative to chocolate pudding. The coconut gives the mixture a really smooth and creamy consistency and using cocoa powder is a really
healthy way to get your chocolate fix for the day. If you want to be extra healthy, you can substitute the cocoa powder with a chocolate protein powder.
National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has not recommended 'Tirzepatide', also known as Mounjaro, developed by Eli Lilly, in its draft
guidance issued on Tuesday (27 June) for treating type 2 diabetes in adults alongside diet and exercise.
The independent NICE committee recognised the importance of new treatment options given that fewer than two-thirds of the adults with type 2 diabetes have adequate
glucose control when using current treatment options.
Evidence submitted to the committee from clinical trials showed the use of tirzepatide at any dose resulted in better glucose control and lower weight compared with
semaglutide or insulin therapy.
The weight reduction was more pronounced with higher doses of tirzepatide, while the effect on glucose levels seemed less dose-dependent. Similar effects were
observed against all GLP-1 receptor agonists in company's network meta-analysis, but this was uncertain.
The committee have asked the company to provide more data to address the uncertainties in the clinical evidence, when compared to all relevant alternative
treatments.
Bladder leakage is one of the most common healthcare issues affecting women, with the effects of the condition having major effects on women's lives. 1 in 3
women over the age of 18 experience bladder leakage at some point in their lives,1 and in general, prevalence increases at the start of the menopause. It is a major
taboo and due to embarrassment women sometimes struggle to discuss the condition and need help.
It is now time for community pharmacy teams to take the lead and provide the proactive support your customers need - and don't just reach for the pads…. You can help
them stop the leaks, and build customer loyalty. If women are regularly buying pads, or have struggled with using pharmacological solutions you can now offer
alternative approaches.
What is incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is when a person accidentally passes urine when they don't want to. It occurs when their bladder is put under pressure, such as when they cough,
sneeze, laugh or run. Frequent or occasional, it can vary from a few dribbles to a complete loss of bladder control.
There are several known types of bladder and urinary incontinence. They receive their name from the origin of the issue that causes the passing of urine. Although
they are similar and can have some of the same symptoms, they mostly differ in the way they come about:
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) - causes the leak after a person strains or exerts themselves during a physical activity, including coughing, sneezing, laughing,
running or jumping. This is the most common type of urinary incontinence.
The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) has advised the pharmacy contractors to check that their PMR systems supports correct and complete
SSP endorsements.
Several tips has been shared by the PSNC with pharmacy contractors after NHSBSA received several electronic EPS SSP claims which did not meet the requirements for
a valid SSP between 1 April 2022 and 31 May 2022.
PSNC has been working with NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) to understand whether claims for HRT SSPs are being submitted correctly and in accordance with
the specific supporting guidance for each SSP.
"For any invalid SSP claims, contractors will continue to receive the usual dispensing fee but will not receive any SSP fee (£5.35). Reimbursement for invalid SSP
claims will also be in accordance with the prescribed product rather than the alternative product or quantity supplied in accordance with an SSP," said PSNC.
NHS England has secured a deal for 'Dexcom ONE Real Time-Continuous Glucose Monitoring' device which will help type 1 diabetes patients to keep track of their
glucose levels at all times without having to scan or take a finger prick test.
Once the patients receive their starter pack - which will include information on the product and usage, a sensor and transmitter - from the hospital or GP surgery,
they can go to the community pharmacy for their repeat prescription.
The wearable arm gadget sends information to a mobile app and allows diabetes patients to keep track of their glucose levels.
"Traditionally, continuous glucose monitors are more expensive than their flash monitor counterparts - which record glucose levels by scanning a sensor - but thanks
to the NHS agreeing on a new cost-effective deal with manufacturers DEXCOM, they will now be available for NHS patients on prescription at a similar price," said NHS.
Dexcom ONE Real Time-Continuous Glucose Monitoring, uses a sensor no bigger than a bottle cap that attaches to the arm for up to 10 days and measures glucose levels
from just under the skin.
The wider rollout of the technology will help diabetes patients manage their condition better - reducing hospitalisations and associated diabetic illnesses which will
ultimately ease pressure off the NHS.
Karen Baxter, vice president, UK & Ireland, Benelux, France and Spain at Dexcom: "The addition of Dexcom ONE to the NHS England drug tariff is enormous progress
towards improving the choice of diabetes tech, providing an alternative to burdensome finger pricks and scanning.
Community pharmacists are readily accessible healthcare providers and medicine experts in the community setting and their counsel is often sought by patients
and consumers on a number of subjects including the use of dietary supplements. Their role in the sale of and advice regarding natural health and drug alternatives
has never been more relevant.
The recent National Health Service (NHS) Interim People Plan calls for the NHS to put all staff front and centre of the way it operates and identifies pharmacists
as a critical part of multidisciplinary teams, providing care across a wide range of increasingly complex patient needs.
Despite existing demand to counsel patients on a vast range of medicines, more and more consumers are looking to their pharmacist to support and enhance their
knowledge regarding the relevance of a growing range of supplementary nutrients now available.
Nutritional supplementation is increasingly becoming the consumer's first choice for 'drug free' treatment or natural prevention that provides a true sense of
taking control, which the prescription process often denies them.
Historically the immense benefits provided by the NHS have instilled a general abdication of our personal health control, leaving us to rely on the health service
to treat and cure as necessary.
As our NHS has become visibly over-stretched we begin to realise what the rest of the world has known for centuries - good health is based primarily upon nutritional
robustness. It may be stating the obvious but there is an excellent source of incremental revenue for the pharmacist who is willing to provide space to and advice
for nutritional supplements.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Temazepam 10mg and 20mg tablets.
"Temazepam 10mg and 20mg tablets are in limited supply until w/c 5th December 2022. Alternative benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics remain available
and will be able to support increased demand," said DHSC.
Temazepam 10mg/5ml oral solution remains available but cannot support an uplift in demand. DHSC suggested: "Where the above options are not suitable, unlicensed
supplies of temazepam 10mg tablets may be sourced, lead times vary."
The department confirmed that Target Healthcare, a specialist importers, have confirmed they can source unlicensed Temazepam 10mg tablets.
"If there is currently no listing on dm+d for the imported product for prescribers to select using their prescribing systems an EPS prescription for unlicensed
Temazepam 10mg tablets cannot be issued."
Pharmacists are a vital member of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) supporting older people to manage their pain. The pharmacist is uniquely positioned to
holistically review drug interactions and potential risks associated with each patient's medication and has the expertise to suggest alternative treatment options
to reduce the risks associated with polypharmacy or unwanted side effects caused by other medications.
Chronic pain
The International Association for the Study of Pain defines pain as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated
with, actual or potential tissue damage.
Although universally experienced by everyone, the perception of pain is a deeply personal experience influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors, and
constitutes an essential behavioural feedback mechanism aimed at protecting us from harm.
Pain may be perceived as either acute or chronic. Chronic pain, defined as pain that persists longer than the normal healing time, constitutes a substantial
healthcare burden, affecting approximately 20 per cent of people worldwide and accounts for 15-20 per cent of physician consultations.
Chronic pain is often associated with disrupted mood and sleep, substance misuse and other chronic conditions. Additionally, comorbidities of chronic pain may also
lead to complex medication regimens that increase the risks of adverse drug interactions and unwanted side effects.
Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for GLP-1 receptor agonists used in the management of type 2 diabetes
on Tuesday (27 June).
"There are very limited, intermittent supplies of all glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) licensed in the management of Type 2 Diabetes
Mellitus (T2DM)," said DHSC.
The supply issues have been caused by an increase in demand for these products for licensed and off-label indications and it is not expected to return to
normal until at least mid-2024.
Pharmacists are urged to refer to the SPS Tool for Medicines Shortages for an up-to-date supply stock situation and clinical guidance on alternative
treatment options.
Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Scotland has submitted its evidence to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee's inquiry into 'Healthcare in remote
and rural areas.'
The Committee had sought views on what policies and actions would be most effective in addressing the issues people face when accessing healthcare in these areas.
During the evidence session today (19 December), Laura Wilson, Director for RPS Scotland, highlighted the challenges faced by pharmacists and pharmacy in remote and
rural areas, as well as provided some of the solutions for ensuring a sustainable pharmacy workforce.
At present, people living in remote and rural areas of Scotland are required to travel to Glasgow or Aberdeen to undertake pharmacy training. Laura underscored the
need to develop alternative education and training pathways, such as "grow your own" models, to support remote and rural areas to develop and retain local pharmacists.